Chronic Pain Therapists in Cook County, IL

CJE Counseling Services is staffed by a team of highly skilled Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) who are specialists in the field of mental health and aging. We are dedicated to assisting older adults find more effective strategies to manage challenging life situations.

I work with many types of clients, but specialize in working with queer and trans people, couples, and other forms of relationships (triads, polycules, open, polygamous, etc.). I deal primarily with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief and loss, transitions, stress management, trauma, sex-related issues and traumas, kink and BDSM, behavioral and substance addictions, and chronic pain and chronic illness. I tend to work with adults. I love working with clients that bring their whole self to therapy as I do too. I always encourage feedback to ensure the therapeutic process feels affirming and healing.

As you begin your journey in therapy, let me walk you briefly through my journey. I have experience providing services in community-based settings, schools, and hospitals. I am certified as a trauma-informed yoga practitioner and as a Racial Healing Circle practitioner through TRHT. I value the benefit of integrating these practices with therapy to enhance a holistic healing. In my personal and professional life, I value self-care and self-compassion through the practice of mindful body-movement therapy. I am intentional about creating balance and listening to your needs.

I work with adolescents, young adults and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges and life transitions. My other areas of interest include relationship issues, chronic pain/illness, and career counseling. I specialize in working with individuals who are adjusting to new phases in their lives, whether that be moving away from home, beginning a new career or transitioning professions, or any other major life challenges. Therapy is a collaborative experience where together with my clients we explore their goals and how to best achieve them.

I am an experienced clinician with over 15 years of experience working with clients across gender, ethnic, generational & religious differences. I am dedicated to establishing an authentic connection and creating a safe space for you to begin or continue your process of growth and healing. I tailor my approach to each client and their values and goals. In meeting you exactly where you are with empathy, we will work towards exploring what is at the core of your struggle and develop the insight and tools needed to help you improve your overall wellbeing.

I use a holistic approach to healing that includes mind, body and spirit. I have a particular focus on women's health issues, sexual abuse, and PTSD. Every pain, trauma, and obstacle we experience in life has information to share with us. The most difficult times we face can be truly transformative if we know how to listen to them. Sometimes we can get lost down these turbulent roads and my job is to help you navigate the path that you are already on.

As a Gender and Certified Sex Therapist, I work with folks like you feeling anxious and lost about a transition you're experiencing in sex, gender, sexual identity, or relationships. I'm here to help folks move from surviving to thriving.

I am an integrative mental health provider offering Trauma/Tension Releasing Exercises (TRE), Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF), and trauma informed somatic therapy. My approach embraces the multidimensionality of being in a body (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual). You will learn all about your nervous system responses and how to re-pattern your brain, shifting from a lens of threat to safety. You will also learn how to heal with food and will gain potent tools that will relax your body on a cellular level. Additionally you will be connected to some of the most skilled body workers and physicians in Chicago.

Even the Courageous Can Hurt! You are on this page, most likely, because you are hurting. Perhaps you suffered a loss, or are at a loss, anxious, depressed or confused by the direction your life is taking. Maybe your pain is due to your own choices or actions. Perhaps it is caused by the choices and actions of others. Sometimes things just happen. Seeking help means you are taking responsibility for your happiness and well-being. That is the first step in healing and it is courageous. We recognize that you are in pain and provide an environment where you feel safe to peel away the layers of your hurt.

The client who understands that making the choice to begin therapy is a courageous and necessary step towards wellness may benefit the most from my services. Your choice demonstrates an interest to learn more about yourself, perhaps in a new light in order to live in a way that is meaningful and more comfortable than now. My areas of interest include: Life Transitions, Personal Growth, Relationship Issues, Self-esteem, Stress Management, Anxiety Disorders/Phobias, Grief/Loss, Depression, Adjustment Disorder, Gay/Lesbian Issues, Terminal/Chronic Illness, and Women's Issues

Whether you are wanting to work through a crises or feeling overwhelmed and seeking clarity, finding a compassionate therapist that works along with you is key. My approach to therapy starts from a strengths-based approach integrating using proven strategies (CBT/ mindfulness techniques) tailored to my individual clients needs and goals. I have had the privilege working with people from diverse backgrounds and ages in the field of mental health.

Life pulls us in all different directions. Sometimes the direction is exciting and sometimes it's overwhelming. I'd be honored to help you walk through the parts of life that feel like too much. I specialize in working with people dealing with trauma, chronic illness, grief, and people who care for others. I work with a trauma informed approach and somatic approach to help you reach your goals.

Life right now is challenging and sometimes unpredictable. Do you need to process issues surrounding personal pain or trauma experiences? Are you looking for calm and peace in your life? Do feelings of anxiety or sadness interfere with your ability to live your life on your terms? I have been working in the medical & mental health field for over 25 years. I believe in a combined, holistic approach to treatment. Mental health services include assessment, diagnosis, therapy and referrals for medication consultation with psychiatrists as needed. I offer MBSR (mindfulness based stress reduction, Jon Kabat -Zinn approach). Thank you!

Are you a chronically ill person who feels unheard or dismissed? Are you struggling with navigating life as a Queer, TGNC, poly, or kinky person? Or with AFAB-specific health conditions (Endometriosis, etc.)? My work centers marginalized identities, including those who are chronically ill, disabled, queer, TGNC, poly, and/or kinky. My lived experiences navigating chronic illness, ableism, survivorship, and Bi+ invisibility have taught me compassion and the importance of rest as an act of resistance against oppressive systems. In the words of Audre Lorde, self-care “is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

Psychotherapy is an opportunity to look at your deepest fears and face them with the support of an experienced and trusted therapist. At the Healing Journey Psychotherapy, I am committed to work with you and support you through a style that is relational, inquisitive, compassionate and challenging. My areas of expertise include surviving sexual abuse, domestic violence, chronic pain and the after effects of traumatic experiences in relationships.

When we are able to truly understand ourselves and our relationships, we can build a life of genuine meaning and connection. Many people enter into therapy only to find themselves gaining small amounts of insight that produce little or no changes in their life. My therapeutic methods produce results that not only change the way we feel about ourselves in the world but change our behaviors. I am respectful of the fact that everyone's pace and tolerance to different interventions varies. My work is reflective of the care and respect I have for each and every client as individuals.

You are the most qualified expert on yourself. I am here to encourage, support, collaborate, and explore solutions with you. Life can be hard to manage, and reaching out for help is a huge first step. Whether you are experiencing a new crisis, have been dealing with mental health challenges for years, or are just looking for support for self-exploration, I strive to work with you, as a team, to reach whatever goals you set for yourself.

Deciding to start therapy and finding a therapist is a difficult process and the current demand is only complicating matters. If you feel overwhelmed, low or unmotivated, and struggling to manage your worries than I may be able to help. Chronic illness management, sleep/insomnia, life transition, or major life stressors (e.g., navigating conflicting cultures) are common treatment concerns for my clients. If these concerns are keeping you stuck, isolated, or unsatisfied with life then it is time to make changes. Whether you know exactly what you want but unsure of how to achieve it or just contemplating change you can find support!

I have firmly believed that Mental Health is a vital part of our overall health as people throughout our entire lives. The desire to grow and adapt never stops no matter what your age or situation in life. Therapy can be useful when doing this. Providing a neutral ear to listen as you speak about what her been going on. I am proficient in many types of therapy but mostly I use a person centered and strength based techniques to assist people to find what they are looking for.